Are you struggling to find a way to describe UNCLE in different languages? You’re not alone! Many language learners and culture enthusiasts want to know how this word, symbolizing familial bonds and respect, is expressed in other languages.

Here’s the good news: I have you covered with translations, pronunciations, and cultural insights that make this word universal yet unique.

UNCLE is a term used to refer to the brother of one’s parent or the husband of one’s aunt. Across cultures and languages, this term reflects the importance of extended family relationships and the respect afforded to older family members.

In this post, we’ll explore the translations of “uncle” in various languages, its cultural significance, and its role in different contexts worldwide.

Why Is It Important to Know UNCLE in Different Languages?

1. Building Family Connections Globally

Whether visiting relatives abroad or connecting with diverse communities, knowing how to say “uncle” in different languages helps strengthen familial ties.

2. Cultural Appreciation

Every culture has its unique family structures and terms of address. Learning these terms connects you with diverse traditions and perspectives on family.

3. Practical Usage

From storytelling to social interactions, “uncle” is a versatile word frequently used in conversations across various cultures.

Saying “UNCLE” in European Languages

Western European Languages

  • English: Uncle (pronounced UN-kul)
  • French: Oncle (pronounced ohn-kluh)
  • German: Onkel (pronounced ON-kel)
  • Spanish: Tío (pronounced TEE-oh)
  • Italian: Zio (pronounced TSEE-oh)
  • Portuguese: Tio (pronounced CHEE-oh)
  • Dutch: Oom (pronounced ohm)
  • Catalan: Oncle (pronounced ONG-kluh)

Northern European Languages

  • Swedish: Farbror/Morbror (pronounced FAR-broor/MOOR-broor)
  • Danish: Onkel (pronounced ONG-kel)
  • Norwegian: Onkel (pronounced ONG-kel)
  • Finnish: Setä/Eno (pronounced SEH-tah/EH-no)
  • Icelandic: Föðurbróðir/Móðurbróðir (pronounced FEH-thur-bro-thir/MOH-thur-bro-thir)

Eastern European Languages

  • Russian: Дядя (pronounced DYAH-dya)
  • Polish: Wujek (pronounced VOO-yek)
  • Czech: Strýc (pronounced STREETS)
  • Hungarian: Nagybácsi (pronounced nodj-BAH-chee)
  • Ukrainian: Дядько (pronounced DYAD’-ko)

Saying “UNCLE” in Asian Languages

East Asian Languages

  • Chinese (Simplified): 叔叔/舅舅 (pronounced shūshu/jiùjiu)
  • Chinese (Traditional): 叔叔/舅舅 (pronounced shūshu/jiùjiu)
  • Japanese: 叔父/伯父 (pronounced oji)
  • Korean: 삼촌 (pronounced sam-chon)

South Asian Languages

  • Hindi: चाचा/मामा (pronounced CHA-cha/MA-ma)
  • Bengali: কাকা/মামা (pronounced KA-ka/MA-ma)
  • Tamil: மாமா (pronounced maa-maa)
  • Urdu: چچا/ماموں (pronounced cha-cha/ma-moo)

Southeast Asian Languages

  • Thai: ลุง/น้า/อา (pronounced lung/naa/aa)
  • Vietnamese: Chú/Bác (pronounced choo/bak)
  • Indonesian: Paman (pronounced PA-man)
  • Malay: Pakcik (pronounced pak-cheek)
  • Khmer (Cambodian): ពូ/មា (pronounced pu/ma)

Saying “UNCLE” in Middle Eastern Languages

  • Arabic: عم/خال (pronounced am/khāl)
  • Hebrew: דוד (pronounced dod)
  • Persian (Farsi): عمو/دایی (pronounced amu/dāyee)
  • Turkish: Amca/Dayı (pronounced am-ja/die-uh)

Saying “UNCLE” in African Languages

  • Swahili: Mjomba (pronounced m-johm-ba)
  • Zulu: Malume (pronounced ma-loo-meh)
  • Afrikaans: Oom (pronounced ohm)
  • Amharic: አጎት (pronounced a-got)
  • Hausa: Kaka (pronounced ka-ka)
  • Igbo: Nnaochie (pronounced na-oh-chee-eh)
  • Yoruba: Baba kekere (pronounced ba-ba keh-keh-reh)

Saying “UNCLE” in Austronesian Languages

  • Filipino (Tagalog): Tiyo/Tiyo (pronounced TEE-yo)
  • Cebuano: Uyoan (pronounced oo-yo-an)
  • Maori: Whaea kēkē (pronounced fye-ah keh-keh)
  • Hawaiian: ‘Anakala (pronounced ah-na-KAH-lah)

Saying “UNCLE” in Indigenous Languages

Native American Languages

  • Navajo: Shínaaí (pronounced shi-nah-eye)

Australian Aboriginal Languages

  • Pitjantjatjara: Mamaṉi (used to signify uncle)

More Translations of UNCLE in Different Languages with Pronunciations

LanguageWord for UnclePronunciation
EnglishUncle/ˈʌŋ.kəl/
SpanishTío/ˈti.o/
FrenchOncle/ɔ̃kl/
GermanOnkel/ˈɔŋ.kəl/
ItalianZio/ˈtsio/
PortugueseTio/ˈtʃi.u/
Chinese (Mandarin)叔叔 (Shūshu)/ʂú.ʂu/
Japanese叔父 (Oji)/o.dʑi/
Korean삼촌 (Samchon)/sam.tɕʰon/
Arabicعم (Am)/ʕam/
Hindiचाचा (Chacha)/ˈtʃɑː.tʃɑː/
RussianДядя (Dyadya)/ˈdʲæ.dʲə/
SwahiliMjomba/mˈdʒɔm.ba/
ZuluMalume/maˈluːme/
YorubaBaba kekere/baba kɛkɛrɛ/
HausaKaka/ka.ka/
IgboNnaochie/naˈɔ.tʃi.e/
DutchOom/oːm/
GreekΘείος (Theíos)/ˈθi.os/
Hebrewדוד (Dod)/dod/
TurkishAmca/ˈam.dʒa/
PolishWujek/ˈvu.jɛk/
VietnameseChú/Bác/tɕu˧˦/ bak˧˦
Bengaliকাকা (Kaka)/kaka/
Thaiลุง (Lung)/luŋ/
Urduچچا (Chacha)/tʃə.tʃa/
Malay/IndonesianPaman/pa.man/
TagalogTiyo/ˈti.jo/
Tamilமாமா (Māma)/maːma/
Teluguమామయ్య (Māmayya)/maː.maj.ja/
Malayalamഅച്ഛൻ (Acchan)/a.tʃʰan/
Kannadaमाम (Mama)/maːma/
Nepaliकाका (Kaka)/ka.ka/
Sinhalaමාමා (Mama)/maːmaː/
Persian (Farsi)عمو (Amu)/æ.mu/
Pashtoتره (Tura)/tə.rɑ/
RomanianUnchi/ˈuŋ.ki/
HungarianNagybácsi/ˈnɒɟ.baː.tʃi/
CzechStrýc/striːts/
SlovakStrýko/ˈstriː.ko/
FinnishSetä/ˈse.tæ/
SwedishFarbror/ˈfɑːr.brur/
DanishOnkel/ˈʌŋ.kəl/
NorwegianOnkel/ˈɔŋ.kəl/
EstonianOnu/ˈo.nu/
LatvianOnkulis/ˈuŋ.kulis/
LithuanianDėdė/ˈdʲeː.dʲeː/
MongolianАвга ах (Avga akh)/aʊ.ɡa aχ/
Georgianბიძა (Bidza)/bid͡zʼa/
UzbekAmaki/a.ma.ki/
KazakhАға (Ağa)/ɑ.ʁɑ/
Amharicአጎት (Agot)/aɡot/
AlbanianXhaxha/ˈdʒadʒa/
ArmenianՔեռի/Հորեղբայր (Kheri/Horeghbayr)/kʰɛˈri/ /hɔɾɛʁˈbajɾ/
AzerbaijaniƏmi/Dayı/æˈmi/ /daˈjɯ/
BelarusianДзядзька (Dziadzka)/ˈd͡zʲad͡zʲka/
BosnianUjak/Stric/u.jak/ /stʁit͡s/
BulgarianЧичо (Chicho)/ˈt͡ʃi.t͡ʃo/
CroatianUjak/Stric/u.jak/ /stʁit͡s/
EsperantoOnklo/ˈon.klo/
EstonianOnu/ˈo.nu/
FilipinoTiyo/ˈti.jo/
FrisianOmke/ˈɔmkə/
GalicianTío/ˈti.o/
Haitian CreoleTonton/tɔ̃tɔ̃/
IrishUncail/ˈuːŋ.kəlʲ/
LuxembourgishMonni/ˈmon.i/
MacedonianЧичко (Chichko)/ˈt͡ʃit͡ʃ.kɔ/
MalagasyDada be/ˈdadə be/
MalteseZiju/ˈziː.ju/
Myanmar (Burmese)ဦးလေး (U Lé)/ú lé/
NyanjaMalume/maˈlu.me/
OromoObboleessa abbaa/ob.bo.leːs.sa ab.baː/
QuechuaAwki/ˈaw.ki/
RomanshTat/tat/
SerbianUjak/Stric/u.jak/ /stʁit͡s/
SesothoMalome/maˈlo.me/
ShonaSekuru/seˈku.ru/
SloveneStric/stɾiːt͡s/
SomaliAdeer/aˈdeːr/
SundanesePaman/pa.man/
TajikАмак/Хола (Amak/Khola)/a.mak/ /xo.la/
TatarАбый (Abıy)/ɑbɯj/
Tibetanཨ་ཞང་ (Azhang)/a ʒaŋ/
Tigrinyaኣሞ (Amo)/amo/
TurkmenDaýy/da.jɯ/
Uighurئەم (Em)/ɛm/
UkrainianДядько (Dyad’ko)/ˈdʲadʲ.kɔ/
Urduماموں (Mamoon)/maː.muːn/
UzbekAmaki/a.ma.ki/
WelshEwythr/ˈɛu̯ɨ̞θr/
XhosaMalume/maˈlu.me/
YorubaBaba kekere/baba kɛkɛrɛ/
ZuluMalume/maˈluːme/

The Cultural Significance of “Uncle”

1. Respectful Address

Term of Respect: In many cultures, “uncle” is a respectful address for older men, not just relatives.

  • In Chinese: “叔叔 (Shūshu)” can address any older man.
  • In African Cultures: Terms like “Malume” in Zulu are used to show respect.

2. Extended Family Importance

Uncles often play significant roles in family structures.

  • In South Asian Cultures: Uncles are second fathers, and terms like “Chacha” and “Mama” distinguish paternal and maternal uncles.
  • In Middle Eastern Families: Uncles are important figures in family decisions.

3. Social Roles

Uncles often act as mentors or guardians.

  • In Latin Cultures: “Tío” can also mean “guy” or “dude,” showing familiarity.
  • In Hawaiian Culture: “‘Anakala” signifies a caretaker role.

Practical Uses of “Uncle”

1. Family Conversations

Knowing how to say “uncle” helps in family gatherings and discussions.

  • Spanish: “Mi tío es médico” means “My uncle is a doctor.”
  • French: “Mon oncle habite à Paris” translates to “My uncle lives in Paris.”

2. Social Interactions

Used to address or refer to elders respectfully.

  • English: “Ask the uncle for directions.”
  • Swahili: “Mjomba, tafadhali” means “Uncle, please.”

3. Cultural References

Understanding stories, proverbs, and idioms.

  • English Idiom: “Say uncle” means to admit defeat.
  • Chinese Stories: “铁杵成针 (Tiechu cheng zhen)” involves an uncle’s perseverance.

How to Learn “Uncle” in Different Languages

Use Language Learning Apps

Apps like Memrise or Anki can help you memorize family-related vocabulary.

Practice Contextual Phrases

Use “uncle” in sentences relevant to your life.

  • “My uncle loves fishing.”
    • German: “Mein Onkel liebt Angeln.”
    • Japanese: “私の叔父は釣りが大好きです。”

Engage with Media

Watch family-themed movies or read books to see how “uncle” is used culturally.

Fun Facts About “Uncle”

Etymological Roots

  • English “Uncle” comes from the Latin word “avunculus,” meaning “mother’s brother.”

Cultural Expressions

  • Spanish Slang: “Tío” is commonly used to refer to a friend or mate.
  • Japanese Titles: “Oji-san” can mean both “uncle” and “old man.”

Festivals and Traditions

  • Uncle’s Day: Some cultures celebrate uncles for their role in families.

Why Learn “Uncle” in Different Languages?

Cultural Appreciation

Understanding “uncle” across cultures helps you appreciate the importance of extended family globally.

Practical Relevance

Enhances your communication ability in family and social settings when traveling or working abroad.

Broader Vocabulary

Expands your language skills, allowing for richer conversations about family and relationships.

Pronunciation Guide and Cultural Insights for “Uncle”

Tips for Proper Pronunciation

  • Listen and Repeat: Use online dictionaries to hear native pronunciations.
  • Phonetic Spelling: Refer to the phonetic guides provided.
  • Practice Regularly: Consistency improves pronunciation over time.

Cultural Significance

  • Family Structures: Recognizing the role of uncles can provide insight into a culture’s family dynamics.
  • Respect and Titles: Using the correct term shows respect and understanding of social norms.

Usage Examples of “Uncle” in Different Languages

1. Amharic (Ethiopia): አጎት (Agot)

  • Usage: አጎቴ በአዲስ አበባ ይኖራል። (Agotē be Addis Ababa yinoral.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Addis Ababa.”

2. Arabic: عم (Am)

  • Usage: عمي يعمل معلمًا. (Ammi ya’mal mu’alliman.)
  • Translation: “My uncle works as a teacher.”

3. Armenian: Քեռի (Kheri)

  • Usage: Իմ քեռին բժիշկ է։ (Im kherin bzhishk e.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a doctor.”

4. Bengali: কাকা (Kaka)

  • Usage: আমার কাকা কলকাতায় থাকেন। (Amar kaka Kolkatay thaken.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Kolkata.”

5. Chinese (Mandarin): 叔叔 (Shūshu)

  • Usage: 我叔叔给我买了礼物。 (Wǒ shūshu gěi wǒ mǎi le lǐwù.)
  • Translation: “My uncle bought me a gift.”

6. Czech: Strýc

  • Usage: Můj strýc je farmář. (Můj strýc je farmář.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a farmer.”

7. Danish: Onkel

  • Usage: Min onkel bor i København. (Min onkel bor i København.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Copenhagen.”

8. Dutch: Oom

  • Usage: Mijn oom heeft een hond. (Mijn oom heeft een hond.)
  • Translation: “My uncle has a dog.”

9. Finnish: Setä

  • Usage: Setäni asuu Helsingissä. (Setäni asuu Helsingissä.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Helsinki.”

10. French: Oncle

  • Usage: Mon oncle est avocat. (Mon oncle est avocat.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a lawyer.”

11. German: Onkel

  • Usage: Mein Onkel spielt Gitarre. (Mein Onkel spielt Gitarre.)
  • Translation: “My uncle plays the guitar.”

12. Greek: Θείος (Theíos)

  • Usage: Ο θείος μου είναι συγγραφέας. (O theíos mou eínai syngraféas.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a writer.”

13. Hindi: चाचा (Chacha)

  • Usage: मेरे चाचा दिल्ली में रहते हैं। (Mere chacha Dilli mein rahte hain.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Delhi.”

14. Hungarian: Nagybácsi

  • Usage: A nagybátyám orvos. (A nagybátyám orvos.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a doctor.”

15. Italian: Zio

  • Usage: Mio zio cucina molto bene. (Mio zio cucina molto bene.)
  • Translation: “My uncle cooks very well.”

16. Japanese: 叔父 (Oji)

  • Usage: 私の叔父は東京に住んでいます。 (Watashi no oji wa Tōkyō ni sunde imasu.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Tokyo.”

17. Korean: 삼촌 (Samchon)

  • Usage: 삼촌이 선물을 주셨어요. (Samchon-i seonmul-eul jusyeosseoyo.)
  • Translation: “My uncle gave me a present.”

18. Norwegian: Onkel

  • Usage: Min onkel er fisker. (Min onkel er fisker.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a fisherman.”

19. Polish: Wujek

  • Usage: Mój wujek mieszka w Krakowie. (Mój wujek mieszka w Krakowie.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Krakow.”

20. Portuguese: Tio

  • Usage: Meu tio é engenheiro. (Meu tio é engenheiro.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is an engineer.”

21. Romanian: Unchi

  • Usage: Unchiul meu are o fermă. (Unchiul meu are o fermă.)
  • Translation: “My uncle has a farm.”

22. Russian: Дядя (Dyadya)

  • Usage: Мой дядя любит рыбалку. (Moy dyadya lyubit rybalku.)
  • Translation: “My uncle loves fishing.”

23. Spanish: Tío

  • Usage: Mi tío vive en Madrid. (Mi tío vive en Madrid.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Madrid.”

24. Swahili: Mjomba

  • Usage: Mjomba wangu ni mkulima. (Mjomba wangu ni mkulima.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a farmer.”

25. Swedish: Farbror

  • Usage: Min farbror arbetar på en skola. (Min farbror arbetar på en skola.)
  • Translation: “My uncle works at a school.”

26. Tamil: மாமா (Māma)

  • Usage: என் மாமா சென்னை வாழ்கிறார். (En māma Chennai vāzhgirār.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Chennai.”

27. Thai: ลุง (Lung)

  • Usage: ลุงของฉันทำงานที่ธนาคาร. (Lung khong chan tham-ngan thi thanakhan.)
  • Translation: “My uncle works at a bank.”

28. Turkish: Amca

  • Usage: Amcam doktor. (Amcam doktor.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a doctor.”

29. Ukrainian: Дядько (Dyad’ko)

  • Usage: Мій дядько водій. (Miy dyad’ko vodiĭ.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a driver.”

30. Urdu: چچا (Chacha)

  • Usage: میرے چچا لاہور میں رہتے ہیں۔ (Mere chacha Lahore mein rehte hain.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Lahore.”

31. Vietnamese: Chú

  • Usage: Chú tôi là giáo viên. (Chú tôi là giáo viên.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a teacher.”

32. Yoruba: Baba kekere

  • Usage: Baba kekere mi n ṣiṣẹ ni ọfiisi. (Baba kekere mi n ṣiṣẹ ni ọfiisi.)
  • Translation: “My uncle works in an office.”

33. Zulu: Malume

  • Usage: Malume wami uyathanda ukudlala ibhola. (Malume wami uyathanda ukudlala ibhola.)
  • Translation: “My uncle loves to play soccer.”

34. Malagasy: Dada be

  • Usage: Dada be-ko mipetraka any Antananarivo. (Dada be-ko mipetraka any Antananarivo.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Antananarivo.”

35. Georgian: ბიძა (Bidza)

  • Usage: ჩემი ბიძა მუსიკოსია. (Chemi bidza musikosia.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a musician.”

36. Estonian: Onu

  • Usage: Minu onu elab Tallinnas. (Minu onu elab Tallinnas.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Tallinn.”

37. Lithuanian: Dėdė

  • Usage: Mano dėdė yra sodininkas. (Mano dėdė yra sodininkas.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a gardener.”

38. Latvian: Onkulis

  • Usage: Mans onkulis strādā ostā. (Mans onkulis strādā ostā.)
  • Translation: “My uncle works at the port.”

39. Albanian: Xhaxha

  • Usage: Xhaxhai im është mjek. (Xhaxhai im është mjek.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a doctor.”

40. Azerbaijani: Əmi

  • Usage: Mənim əmi müəllimdir. (Mənim əmi müəllimdir.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a teacher.”

41. Persian (Farsi): عمو (Amu)

  • Usage: عموی من در تهران زندگی می‌کند. (Amu-ye man dar Tehran zendegi mi-konad.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Tehran.”

42. Pashto: تره (Tura)

  • Usage: زما تره بزګر دی. (Zama tura bazgar de.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a farmer.”

43. Greek: Θείος (Theíos)

  • Usage: Ο θείος μου παίζει κιθάρα. (O theíos mou paízei kithára.)
  • Translation: “My uncle plays the guitar.”

44. Serbian: Ujak

  • Usage: Moj ujak živi u Beogradu. (Moj ujak živi u Beogradu.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Belgrade.”

45. Croatian: Stric

  • Usage: Moj stric ima restoran. (Moj stric ima restoran.)
  • Translation: “My uncle has a restaurant.”

46. Bosnian: Ujak

  • Usage: Moj ujak je pisac. (Moj ujak je pisac.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a writer.”

47. Slovak: Strýko

  • Usage: Môj strýko je lekár. (Môj strýko je lekár.)
  • Translation: “My uncle is a doctor.”

48. Slovenian: Stric

  • Usage: Moj stric rad kuha. (Moj stric rad kuha.)
  • Translation: “My uncle likes to cook.”

49. Irish: Uncail

  • Usage: Tá mo uncail ina chónaí i mBaile Átha Cliath. (Tá mo uncail ina chónaí i mBaile Átha Cliath.)
  • Translation: “My uncle lives in Dublin.”

50. Hawaiian: ‘Anakala

  • Usage: Makemake ko’u ‘anakala e he’e nalu. (Makemake ko’u ‘anakala e he’e nalu.)
  • Translation: “My uncle likes to surf.”

Final Thoughts

The word “uncle” carries significant weight in cultures worldwide, symbolizing family bonds, respect, and guidance.

Learning to say “uncle” in different languages expands your vocabulary and enriches your understanding of global family dynamics and cultural nuances.

Happy Learning!

Reference: Wiktionary

Related Post: VOID in different languages

Similar Posts